If only one bid is received, this can raise concerns about whether that bid will provide value for money. As described in EPEC's Guide to Guidance [#83, pages 29-30] there are two broad options in this case, depending on the reason for only receiving one bid:
• Re-package and re-tender-this may be the best approach if the low turnout seems to be because of deficiency in the tender
• Conduct thorough due diligence and select the sole bidder-may be a better option if it appears that the bidder believed the process would be competitive, and is in full compliance with the requirements.
World Bank procurement guidelines [#283, page 25] note that rejection of all bids is justified where there is a lack of effective competition, but says "even when only one bid is submitted, the bidding process may be considered valid, if the bid was satisfactorily advertised, the qualification criteria were not unduly restrictive, and prices are reasonable in comparison with market value"'. The United Kingdom Government's guidance on the competitive dialogue procedure [#256, Box 5.7] provides further guidance.